AMERICAN SAXOPHONE MUSIC

The saxophone is commonly thought of as the quintessential American instrument, not least for the pivotal rôle it has played in jazz during key stages of the genre’s evolution. Its acceptance in classical music has been more gradual, with, once again, American composers playing a major part. From Ned Rorem’s soulful Picnic on the Marne

to Alan Hovhaness’ wistful and evocative Suite for Alto Saxophone and Guitar, via the works of lesser-known composers such as Amy Quate and Rudy Wiedoeft, the divergent idioms of the works on this disc reflect those of the composers, as well as the artists for whom they were created.